The last great battle of the season
This Saturday, October 12, comes the 113th edition of il Lombardia, the fifth and last monument of the year. Known as "the classic of the fallen leaves", il Lombardia 2019 will circulate along a route of more than 240 km practically identical to that of 2015 and 2017. Apart from the traditional climbs to Madonna de Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano, decisive attacks are expected on the San Fermo della Battaglia ramps, which are crowned 5.3 km from home. From there, it's a fast downhill to the line.
Both in 2015 and 2017, Vincenzo Nibali (1000) prevailed. For honors, experience and ambition the Shark of Messina must be counted among the main favorites. Another double winner in the startlist is legend Philippe Gilbert (800), a true specialist in all types of one day races.
For its part, it seems that Egan Bernal (1200) has been preparing il Lombardia for weeks, and current Tour de France champion seems unstoppable when a goal is set. Although the startlist is not yet confirmed, it is likely that the winner of the Giro d'Italia Richard Carapaz (1000) and the winner of the Vuelta a España Primož Roglič (1200) will take the start, and with victory options. Other clear favorites are Alejandro Valverde (1200), Jakob Fuglsang (1200), Julian Alaphilippe (1200) and Michael Woods (800).
On a second level, other riders who can perform greatly can be Gianluca Brambilla (600), Giulio Ciccone (800), Valerio Conti (800), David Gaudu (800), Davide Formolo (800), Pierre Latour (800) , Mikel Landa (1000), Rafal Majka (1000), Sergio Higuita (600) or Fausto Masnada (600). Another interest point is the reappearance of Maximillian Schachmann (1200) after his injury in Tour de France, although it will be difficult for him to shine with such competition and after so many months of inactivity.
Many riders close the season on the roads of il Lombardía, and that is why everyone will spend up to the last gram of strength. The last great battle of the season is served.